The ex-boss kept tabs on how his former players fared after his exit. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Manchester United fans – and likely those on the board – are hoping Erik ten Hag will replicate his notorious transfer approach of signing his former players now that he’s at Bayer Leverkusen.
In doing so, the Red Devils have the chance of recuperating funds that can then be used to sanction their own arrivals this summer.
The prospect is certainly alive too, with the ex-Red Devils boss already being tipped for a reunion with his former protégé, Antony, in Germany.
Leverkusen shortlist Antony after Ten Hag’s appointment
Ten Hag has worked with Antony at both Ajax and United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Since Ten Hag was cherry-picked to succeed the Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso last month, Leverkusen have already brought in fellow SEG client Mark Flekken from Brentford, while they’re reluctantly preparing for the impending departure of talisman Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.
Should the deal get over the line as planned, the Bundesliga outfit will have upwards of £100 million to reinvest in Wirtz’s replacement/s — and Antony is viewed as a potential candidate.
Surprisingly, so is his wantaway teammate Alejandro Garnacho. After it became public knowledge that he and United had decided to part ways this summer, Leverkusen were among a handful of clubs to have established their interest.
Cut-price Antony viewed as a more ‘feasible’ target
A fresh report from German outlet BILD (via Get German Football News) this week has claimed that a move for Antony over his Argentine counterpart is deemed more ‘feasible’ due to their differing valuations; United were demanding a fee in excess of £60m to green-light Garnacho’s exit when Napoli came knocking in the winter, while Antony, 25, could be available for around £35m.
Antony’s stellar efforts throughout his half-season loan spell with Real Betis certainly played into United’s hands in terms of upping his price tag, although they still stand to make a substantial loss on the £86m they forked out for him in 2022.
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